US-based functional beverages firm Sportables has unveiled a new tea, Workout, expanding its line of performance beverages, such as iXL Electrolytes + Amino Acids.

The clinically proven patented black tea extract BTE+ present in Workout is claimed to minimise muscle soreness, boost performance, and decrease recovery time.

Workout tea consists of a sweetener system of cane sugar, erithrytol and stevia that adds up to only 70 calories, in addition to theaflavins and 95% polyphenols.

"We only make products that help people, and the consumer benefits of Workout tea are second to none."

Sportables chief executive officer Mark Davis said: “Workout tea has been two years in the making, so we are thrilled that it is ready to go. We only make products that help people, and the consumer benefits of Workout tea are second to none.

“Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, yet until now no product has been made specifically for tea drinkers with active lifestyles.

"We understand that today's fitness enthusiast wants all natural products that are proven safe with functional claims that are research-proven and validated by science."

He added that the firm collaborated with scientists and researchers to commercialise the ingredient technology.

With results published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2010, the effects of BTE+, such as onset muscle soreness, oxidative stress and inflammation were studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial.

Workout comes in 16oz ready-to-drink bottles and will be available for purchase early this year.

In the coming months, the firm intends to add other flavours to the initial range of black tea, Lemon & Raspberry and Peach Mango Green Tea.

Image: Workout tea, 16oz ready-to-drink bottles. Photo: courtesy of Sportables LLC.